The PANANOLE News: FSU-Panama Student E-Zine

Mr. Carlos King is the person who has worked at FSU-Panama longer than anyone else. I decided to interview Mr. King for The Pananole News so that we can learn from the wisdom he has accumulated during his time here. I thank Mr. King for agreeing to be the subject of this Pananole interview.

Xiao: How long have you been working at FSU-Panama?

Mr. King: Twenty-nine years.

Xiao: So, you are the person who has worked here the longest?

Mr. King: Right now, yes.

Xiao: What makes you stay here?

Mr. King: Well, to begin with, variety—I have not been at the same position since I started here. I have held four positions, but I have been with the English Language Program the longest. I enjoy working at FSU-Panama. My work in the English Language program, for instance, has made a difference in the lives of those who’ve come here to learn English. It gives me great satisfaction when I see so many students who initially came to us not knowing English and they leave having learned the language. I also enjoy working with my colleagues. We’re a family in the English Language Program, and that’s nice since I spend most of my day here. Finally, I enjoy working at FSU-Panama because I am always learning something new.

Xiao: Do you know how many students have you taught?

Mr. King: If I’d have to give you a figure, I’d estimate that I have served more than five hundred students.

Xiao: Could you share with the Pananole News readers one of your favorite anecdotes from your work experience?

Mr. King: One story that immediately comes to mind is that of a woman who signed up for our courses. At the time she remarked that she was a little too old to learn a language, but that she had to take English to help her children who were in high school. Five years later, she brought her three children to us because she was convinced that FSU-Panama was the best place to learn English. Then, just a couple of years ago, this woman dropped by to let us know how grateful she and her children were to FSU-Panama. She said that once her grandchild becomes of age, she would bring him here to learn English.

Xiao: Have you even thought of changing jobs?

Mr. King: I’ve had several job offers, but in the end, after close analysis, I believe that FSU-Panama is the place to be.

Xiao: What changes have you seen at FSU-Panama over the past twenty-nine years?

Mr. King: I have seen it move from the Stone Age to the Era of Technology.

Xiao: What do you think is the best strategy for learning English?

Mr. King: The individual who wants to learn a language should have a strong motivation to do so. He or she needs to establish realistic goals and then have the dedication and discipline to achieve them.

Xiao: Mr. King, in as few words as possible, how would you describe your career and your life?

Mr. King: Far more successes than failures.

Xiao: Thank you very much for your time.